Car owners need to prepare autos for transport from New York before the car can be shipped. The carrier will supply details on prep protocol prior to receiving the vehicle for hauling.  

Each company has a few slight variations in its expectations with some allowing limited packing inside the vehicle and others preferring the auto be completely empty. The primary concern is that the truck will exceed capacity if weighed by the Department of Transportation. 

Also, these items won’t be covered by the carrier’s insurance if damaged or lost while left in the vehicle.  

Before committing to a particular auto transport company, reviewing the details of the prep protocol with the carrier will ensure nothing is missed. This way delivery to the new location can be a smooth and successful process for everyone involved.  

Tips On Preparing a Vehicle for Shipping From New York

Fall is the ideal time to ship a car from New York, one of the least busy times of the year. That can mean promotions and discounts in the industry. Traffic is less congested on the highways since kids have returned to school and fewer people are taking holidays. 

Before shipping a car from New York, the vehicle needs to be thoroughly prepared according to the auto transport company guidelines. Following the carrier’s protocol will keep the auto safe and secure while in transit to the new location.  

While some shipping services will vary slightly in their prep guidelines, the basic steps are primarily the same. A professional mechanic can handle some of these during a preliminary inspection. 

• The fluid levels should be checked and inspected for possible leaks

Anything that could leak, like the engine coolant, battery or brake fluid, oil, even fuel, and more, needs to be topped off before the car can be moved. While in transit, any overflowing fluid leaks can “rain down” on cars below, leaving the potential for damage. 

This overflow can also affect vehicle operation, resulting in engine damage. When having the fluids checked, enlisting the services of a professional mechanic is wise to avoid the potential for overflow.  

The car shipping service recommends keeping the gas tank at roughly ¼ gallon to prevent the potential for leaks in transit. The lower fuel level keeps the car within a specific weight to avoid higher costs for shipping. 

Learn how to save on cross-country shipping at https://todayshomeowner.com/moving/guides/5-cheap-ways-to-ship-car-cross-country/. 

• The battery charge should be checked

A reputable mechanic can ensure the battery is fully charged while inspecting the car. This will be helpful when the carrier tries to load and unload the auto or if you need to drive home from the delivery location. You could incur tow charges if the vehicle won’t start when it arrives. 

The transport company will also increase the final shipping cost to include charges for the driver’s inability to start the car.  

When the mechanic checks the battery charge, if it’s reached its max life, it can be replaced in time enough to avoid having to haul an inoperable vehicle, something not all auto transport companies do. If they offer this service, it’s usually for an added cost. 

• Anti-theft or alarms should be disabled for transport

 To avoid the possibility of restricting access to the driver or setting the alarm, disable these devices before the vehicle is picked up for transport. It might seem more appropriate to leave these engaged to avoid the potential for loss.  

Still those responsible for the vehicle while in transit need access if problems arise. Visit here for aspects of auto transport you may not have thought about. 

• Personal effects should be removed from the car

Some car shipping services will allow drivers to have a limited weight capacity of personal items in the vehicle on the trip. In contrast, others ask that all items be removed, including valuables, sensitive documents, or electronics. 

The carrier is not responsible for anything left in the car if these become damaged or there’s a loss. 

The recommendation is to remove loose things, items in the glove box, trunk, hatch, the antenna, any custom pieces like racks on the car (bike, ski, luggage if removable), things that could be damaged or attract attention from would-be vandals or thieves. The side-view mirrors need to be folded in if able to do so. 

Final Thought

If you use a trusted mechanic to handle the battery and fluid checks, having a vehicle inspection to document the overall condition is wise. This way you will have a record of current damage.  

The auto transport companies in NY  will also do a thorough inspection when the car is dropped off using a Bill of Lading to document the existing damage. When taking the vehicle for departure, having the auto detail cleaned will ensure all damage is easy to see, even in photos. These should be taken to go with documentation. 

Despite turning the responsibility of the car over to the car shipping service, a majority of the prep for transport lies with you as the owner. The driver will take it from there, ensuring the vehicle safely and securely arrives at its new destination.